Vietnam Combat Veteran's Testimonial For Ron Paul

Semper Fi

I am an Honorably discharged United States Marine who volunteered and served with "C" Battery, 2nd L.A.A.M. Battalion, on the ground in I-Corps, Republic of Vietnam, 1966 and 1967.

That Was Then - Chu Lai

My awakening began then and there. Forty years afterward, I now agree with the "Poet Laureate" of the Vietnam Veterans of America, the deceased Steve Mason, who predicted my awakening:

"Old soldiers with bad gums find out too late whom they really served."

That epitaph symbolizes my experience completely, and contains the essence of my logic in supporting Representative Ron Paul for President in 2008. I now realize that my loyalty to America does not require a blind loyalty to any sitting President, to his Cabinet, or to his Administration's foreign policy. I now realize that unseen powers operating behind the scenes are known to create the wars which soldiers are asked to fight - for sometimes immoral and illegal purposes. As an ex-Marine I have come to see the truth in four-star Major General Smedley D. Butler's famous book, "War Is A Racket.

This is now - Hardwood Expedition, Montana, 2007

As I witness today's abusive use of the U.S. military in pre-emptive warfare around the world, I am reminded of a passage from a speech made before the Virginia Convention on June 5, 1788, by Patrick Henry, who stated:

"We drew the spirit of liberty from our British ancestors; by that spirit we have triumphed over every difficulty. But now, sir, the American spirit, assisted by the ropes and chains of consolidation, is about to convert this country into a powerful and mighty empire. If you make the citizens of this country agree to become the subjects of one great consolidated empire of America, your government will not have sufficient energy to keep them together. "

It is my view today, forty years after my time in war, that Congressman Ron Paul is the only genuine statesman campaigning for the Presidency in 2008; is the only moral political agent remaining in Washington, D.C.; and is the only candidate who has a proven record of voting for personal liberty, constitutional principles, and the proper defense of our beloved American way of life by stating clearly the difference between "offense" and "defense."

I close this note by quoting Lt. Colonel Robert Bowman:

"The best way for government to support America's war veterans is to quit adding to our number."

Salute!
Elias Alias, January 16, 2008, Montana, USA

Note: "Elias Alias" is this combat veterans pen name, which he uses in all of his writings, and we have honored his request to use it here as well. He is personally known to us and is a man of honor whom we would trust to watch our backs, so that is good enough for us. Semper Fi Elias!

All Current Militar, Veterans, and Police Who Support Ron Paul Are Welcome to Submit Testimonials, Photos, and Video

This site is dedicated to currently serving military, veterans, and military who support Congressman Ron Paul in his presidential candidacy as well as supporting the mutual cause of liberty to which we are all still sworn.

You are our fellow oath takers and oath keepers, and we welcome your written testimonials, your photos, and your videos.

Please email them to keepyouroath@gmail.com

There are other sites containing testimonials of veterans, including the official campaign site, but this blog is meant to compliment those other efforts by providing a place for photos and even video to accompany testimonials.

We also want to extend an invitation to police, who have also sworn an oath to support and defend the Constitution. In fact, we even welcome submissions from others who have taken such an oath, such as lawyers, judges, and even politicians (though the number of the later who keep their oaths is disturbingly few).

If you swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and if you still take that oath seriously, and you support Congressman Ron Paul, and the Ron Paul Revolution that embodies a new awakening and devotion to liberty and the Constitution, then you are our brother (or sister) in the struggle for liberty, and you are welcome here.

When you submit a testimonial, you may give your full name, initials, or if you prefer privacy, you can be anonymous (though we prefer names to go with the statements).

Please provide your years served; combat if any and rank, unit or anything else you feel should be included (medals, awards etc.).

Photos can be in uniform (preferred), civilian dress, or whatever you feel is best.

Feel free to send a few different shots but at least one clear photo of just head and shoulders.

We welcome the participation of any and all veterans but especially combat vets from any conflict such as from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War I, on up to today.

Welcome, from the crew of veterans here at Oathkeepers for Ron Paul

keepyouroath@gmail.com